How to Choose the Right Digital Signage Display
When the topic of digital signage comes up, most people conjure up an image in their head of a flat screen display similar to the television they use at home. While this is certainly accurate in many situations, there are a wide range of display solutions available.
1. Tablets (4.3”-24”) 2. Computer Monitors (19”-32”) 3. Televisions (32”-70”+) 4. Kiosks (42”-55”) 5. All-in-One PCs (19”-27”) 6. Projectors (70”+)
1. Tablets – 4.3” – 24”
A relative newcomer to this niche are consumer facing tablets. Steadily falling prices have made repurposing these devices to run digital signage software instead of Angry Birds a lucrative proposition.Considerations:
- When using a tablet, it becomes both the display and the player.
- Make sure that your digital signage software is supported. Enplug currently runs on Windows (non RT) tablets.
- Many of the features you would consider when purchasing a tablet for consumer use become irrelevant. Factors such as how many megapixels its camera has won’t matter if it is dedicated to digital signage.
Use Cases:
- Tablets are perfect for table-top displays where counter space is at a premium.
- They can also work well in unique scenarios where tablet-specific abilities like battery power and 4G connectivity can be killer features, such as on the award-winning Seoul Sausage food truck above.
- Tablets can be the most efficient solution for locations where space is extremely limited as in the bathroom below.
2. Computer Monitors – 19” – 32”
Television’s diminutive sibling who typically enjoys FPS games over reality TV shows.Considerations:
- Monitors are economical at some sizes, but at 32” and above televisions are usually more cost effective.
- From a practical standpoint, you can consider a monitor to be a small LCD television that happens not to have an integrated ATSC receiver.
- May not have VESA mounting capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Built in stands make them easy to use for tabletop signage.
3. Televisions – 32” – 70”+
The most common solution. You can get a detailed breakdown of all the differentiating factors between televisions by reading our 10 Tips for Choosing the Best TV for Your Digital Menu Board post.4. Kiosks 42”-55”
Commercial televisions in a fancy suit.Considerations:
- Kiosks command a significant price premium over a similarly sized commercial display.
- It’s possible to “DIY” a kiosk by purchasing an enclosure and television separately.
- Some kiosks might ship with a built in media player.
Use Cases:
- When the aesthetic goes with the surroundings.
- When the display is in a high traffic location at ground level, a kiosk can help prevent vandalism or accidental mishaps.
5. All-In-One PCs – 19” – 27”
You can look at All-In-One PC’s as tablets with built in stands. They’re usually not the most economical choice for digital signage, but might make sense when serving in a dual role capacity.Considerations:
- Like a tablet, make sure your digital signage software is supported. Enplug will currently run on Windows and Android based AIO’s.
Use Cases:
- If you already have an AIO can easily repurpose it for digital signage.
- Easy to move around and set up.
6. Projectors – 70”+
Big things can come in little packages. A projector allows you to turn an entire wall into a digital signage display.Considerations:
- Must be mounted so there is always an uninterrupted line of sight between the display surface and the projector.
- The surface should be blemish free and a color conducive to projectors, or you should invest in a projector screen.
- You must mount the projector at a specific distance to get a desired display size. The specifics differ by model but will be available from the manufacturer.
- Projectors use bulbs that have a limited life span. You should factor in the cost of replacement bulbs into your calculations.
- Projectors generally perform the best in low light environments.
Use Cases:
- Projectors are the most cost effective way to get a really large digital signage display